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A Brief History of Rice
It’s nearly impossible to find a culture that does not have a few signature rice dishes. Most of the time, the ingredients of a dish make it quite obvious about its origins. So, where does the incredibly versatile seed come from? Rice is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or Oryza glaberrima (African rice).1 Rice has been traced back to Asia, with records from China dating back to 2800 BC.
Rice was discovered in India, dating back to 4530 BC. Rice was transported from Asia to the rest of the world through travelers. In climates where the crop could succeed, people began cultivating various types of rice.2 It would then become a staple food which currently feeds over half of the world’s population.
The Versatility of Rice
Being able to choose from rice dishes from around the world means variety and versatility. Rice is used in entrees and sides. You’ll find rice in breakfast recipes and dessert recipes alike. It is one of the most dynamic ingredients you can come across.
Heartier rice, like brown rice, has deeper flavors that complement things like vegetables and has a sturdier texture that makes it more filling. While Jasmine rice has a lighter flavor and stickier texture, making it perfect for a variety of things, such as desserts!
While different varieties have different flavor profiles and pair better with certain ingredients, many rice dishes are easily customizable and can be interchangeable in certain ways. This means easy swaps for moments when you are trying to use what’s already in your pantry.
Rice dishes also can work well for various times of the day, which means there is always a rice dish on the menu, from breakfast to dessert.
Benefits of Trying Recipes From Other Cultures
Trying recipes from other countries and cultures means that you get exposure to new ingredients that combine in unique ways. Once you have that experience, you can branch out and try those new additions in recipes of your own.
Rice dishes are an easy place to start because they offer up some familiarity. Even if you are not used to working with the other ingredients, you most likely know how to make rice. Let the rice be the common ground between your culture and the culture you’re eating from.
Trying foods from other cultures also means you allow yourself to learn from those cultures. Food is a universal language that unifies us despite physical and non-physical barriers. Sharing a meal from another culture opens up a world of possibilities and common ground with other people. It gives you something to talk about or something to create for a friend.
How to Celebrate Other Cultures with Food
When trying new foods, especially from a culture that is not your own, you want to experience as much as you can while honoring the creators. If you can, get recipes directly from people you know in the culture. They usually have helpful tips and ideas to help you create the dish. Don’t forget to invite them over when you make it, if you’d like.
When you make a dish from another culture, do some quick research and see what is often eaten with it. Try adding some of those dishes as well. That way, your meal is more cohesive. Those recipes are used together for a reason.
9 Creative Rice Dishes From Around The World
1. Brazilian Galinhada (Chicken and Rice)
This Brazilian chicken and rice dish offers up a hearty, flavorful take on the familiar chicken and rice. It has the addition of sausage, tomatoes, and fresh herbs that display Brazilian culture and flavors in a bold and delicious way. This dish is perfect for a midweek dinner or for hosting friends!
2. Gullah Red Rice(US Rice and Sausage)
Gullah Red Rice is a derivative of Jollof created by the Gullah Geechee. The Gullah Geechee culture evolved in the southeastern coastal regions of the United States from the descendants of enslaved Africans. Gullah Geechee culture has its own unique celebrations, ceremonies, languages, and obviously food. The red rice combines rice and beans with sausage, onions, garlic, and tomatoes for a delicious dish that can serve as a main or a side.
3. Palestinian Vegetable Maqloobeh
This recipe calls for a combination of chickpeas, mushrooms, eggplant, cauliflower, bell pepper, and more. Baharat seasoning, also called Middle Eastern seasoning because it is a combination of commonly used spices, is also used to add warm flavors. The unique preparation creates an intentional moment and leaves you with an all-inclusive dish ready to eat, of course, that’s after you expertly flip the dish.
4. Irish Dunmurry Rice
If you need a dish that is hearty without being overwhelmingly heavy, try out this Irish Dunmurry Rice. The recipe calls for a delicious vegetable rice topped with grilled tomatoes, bread crumbs, and cheese, making it easy and perfect for any time of the day.
5. Sua alaisa (Samoan Coconut Rice Soup)
For a dish that is well-balanced and makes perfect use of the light, tropical flavor of coconut, try out this Samoan Coconut Rice Soup. The dish is lightly sweetened with undertones of citrus and herbs. This soup can be eaten for breakfast or dessert!
6. Zimbabwean Mupunga unedovi (Peanut Butter Rice)
Sometimes you’re in need of something that switches up the supporting food items in your meal. While some of these rice dishes can be a little more involved, this dish keeps it simple but effective. The dish calls for peanut butter and rice to create a nutty and creamy peanut butter rice that can accompany almost anything.
7. Caribbean Rice and Beans
Keeping with the role of elevating your accompanying rice dishes, try out Caribbean Rice and Beans. This recipe is simple but packed with a ton of bold flavors that all work well together and work well with almost anything else, especially a variety of proteins. This dish is also easy to make, meaning it works well for those midweek meals.
8. Filipino Biko (Sticky Rice Cakes)
Not all of these rice dishes are for lunch and dinner, we are looking at tons of rice dishes from around the world after all. So, this dessert rice recipe is easy to make but packs a punch. The caramelized, coconut sticky rice is created with brown sugar and coconut milk and formed into a cake. This recipe is perfect for an after-dinner treat, or be the favorite of the night by bringing it to a party.
9. Azerbaijani Shirin Plov( Sweet Rice and Apricots)
The fruit and rice combination is not an unfamiliar concept, but this one really stands out. This Azerbaijani Sweet Rice is an indescribably complex mixture of sweet, warm, and earthy flavors. It is also easily adjustable and unlike anything you’ve tried before. It’s pretty easy to make, so you should definitely give it a shot!
Don’t forget to honor your dishes by plating them well. Rice has the amazing property of holding itself together in various shapes and forms. This means you can have a lot of fun plating your rice dishes. Creating a base for other ingredients or small rice ball additions.
These rice dishes from around the world are just the introduction. Be sure to look out for more unique ways to use rice, because there are tons more! And don’t forget about all of the rice derivatives that you can work with as well, like rice flour!
If you’re looking for more culturally inspired meal ideas, give these Mediterranean meals a try!
